Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Treasurer) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Treasurer, upon notice, on 3 May 2011:

With reference to the proposed carbon pricing mechanism, has the department conducted any research or modelling into what impact the proposed carbon pricing mechanism will have on the cost of new residential housing in Australia; if so, can full details of this research or modelling be provided; if not, why not.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Finance and Deregulation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Treasurer has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

Treasury is updating its economic modelling of the effect of a carbon price on the economy to inform the Australian Government’s decisions regarding the detailed design of the carbon price framework. The results of that modelling will depend upon the detailed design of the framework. The Australian Government has announced that it intends to release the modelling upon its completion, in order to further inform the community about the expected transformation of the Australian economy from pricing carbon. Lake Eyre Basin

Ron Boswell (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 5 May 2011:

With reference to the proposed wild rivers declaration sought by the Queensland Government in the Lake Eyre Basin:

(1) Given the oil and gas production, mining and the wool and cattle grazing industries that have been in operation within the basin for more than 100 years, can the Minister confirm that the Queensland wild rivers legislation, if passed, will not be a precursor to a World Heritage listing of the basin.

(2) Can the Minister confirm the Government will not support any listing of the basin without the support of the people who live, work and gain their living through the industries within the Lake Eyre catchment.

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) There has been no nomination for World Heritage listing for the Lake Eyre Basin.

(2) See response to (1) above.

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Home Affairs, upon notice, on 5 May 2011:

(1) Can details be provided of the 3 month compliance campaign into low value imports, including the: (a) name; (b) objectives; (c) cost; and (d) outcomes, of the campaign.

(2) What impact did this have on the flow of overseas imports and their timely delivery.

(3) Was there any difficulty in the storage of held goods during the campaign.

(4) How many consumers were contacted about the goods they were importing during the campaign.

(5) How many parcels were determined to be non-compliant during the campaign, and what goods and services tax or duty was payable on these non-compliant items.

(6) (a) How many parcels declared to have a value less than $1 000 arrive each year; (b) how many are found to be non-compliant; and (c) how has this figure fluctuated over the past 10 years.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Home Affairs has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) (a) The national campaign is known as Enhanced Compliance – Import Threshold Campaign.

(b) The campaign objectives were to assess the extent to which:

(c) Campaigns are regularly under taken by Customs and Border Protection to assess the level of risk or to address non compliance in a particular area of concern. Campaigns run for defined periods of activity and are resourced by re-prioritising effort across the agency. To undertake the Enhanced Compliance – Import Threshold Campaign, 38 officers were allocated from other activities for three months. This level of staffing effort equates to approximately $900 000.

(d) Customs and Border Protection published the outcomes of the campaign on its website on 19 May 2011. These outcomes show the vast majority of people are complying with requirements. During the campaign, Customs and Border Protection undertook:

(2) During the campaign, where the value of goods could not be established importers were contacted to confirm the purchase price paid for the goods. In these instances, the goods were held until importers responded to requests for proof of purchase price.

(3) Goods that have not received Customs clearance must be stored in a licensed or approved Customs place and are the responsibility of the operator. During the campaign, Australia Post arranged for some temporary additional storage of held goods awaiting proof of purchase at their Sydney International Mail Gateway (IMG) facility – one of four IMGs that processes imported mail.

In the air and sea cargo environment the majority of held goods were stored by express couriers. There were no indications from the express couriers that they had difficulty storing these goods in their current facilities.

(4) Approximately 13,000 importers were contacted to confirm the purchase price paid for goods.

(5) 1,942 instances of non-compliance with the low value threshold were detected during the campaign. From this, $429,152 in GST, $128,193 in duty and $160,882 in deferred GST was identified.

(6) (a) In 2009-10 there were approximately 44 million items (excluding letters) imported to Australia with a value under $1,000.

(b) The Enhanced Compliance – Import Threshold campaign has shown the vast majority of importers are complying with the existing low value threshold rules. Sampling of the general population during the campaign showed non-compliance rates of:

(c) Since the increase in the low value threshold in 2005 for air cargo, compliance activities have focused on identifying and targeting high risk consignments, and did not include a sampling program. This makes it difficult to compare fluctuations across of the general population over this time. However, during previous targeted activity (April to September 2010), Customs and Border Protection targeted and assessed 33,632 consignments entered under the low value threshold in air and sea cargo. These assessments resulted in 1,910 detections and recovered $185,140.59 in duty and $487, 917.88 in GST. A further $1,001,588.89 in deferred GST was identified.

Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Resources and Energy, upon notice, on 5 May 2011:

(1) Who represents Australia on the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC).

(2) Who represented Australia at the Infrastructure Development Working Group and Reliable Nuclear Fuel Services Working Group meetings held in Paris in April 2011.

(3) Who will represent Australia at the 6th Steering Group Meeting to be held in Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, on 18 May and 19 May 2011.

(4) What qualifies as an 'observer organisation' to the IFNEC.

(5) What are the Government's objectives in engaging with the IFNEC.

(6) To date, what is the total cost arising from Australian delegations engaging with the IFNEC.

Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Resources and Energy has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) A number of agencies across Government have represented Australia at the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation meetings and its predecessor the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership. These agencies include:

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) (including the Australian Safeguard and Non-Proliferation Office (ASNO));

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO);

The Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism (RET) and formally Department of Industry, Tourism and Resource

(2) Ms Nicole Hinton, Manager, Uranium Industry and Nuclear Section, Fuels and Uranium Branch, Resources Division, Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism

(3) Dr Robert Floyd, Director General of Australian Safeguard and Non-Proliferation Office

(4) An international organization may be invited to participate in the International Framework by consensus of IFNEC Participants, and becomes an Observer Organization by accepting the invitation to join the International Framework by letter to the Chair of the Executive Committee. Current Observer Organizations are the International Atomic Energy Agency, the European Atomic Energy Community and the Generation IV International Forum.

(5) Australia has been attending meetings of IFNEC on a non-active participant basis. Objectives are to ensure that Australia's interests in nuclear non-proliferation and security are taken into account by monitoring IFNEC developments, and by providing information (e.g. concerning uranium mining) to IFNEC partners, as appropriate.

(6) Total travel costs, since 2007, for attendance at meetings of IFNEC and its predecessor, the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, are estimated at $113,600.

Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, upon notice, on 5 May 2011:

With reference to the independent review of the current state of health and safety arrangements at ANSTO Health

(1) Who is leading and serving on the independent panel?

(2) With whom has the panel conducted interviews?

(3) At what locations has the panel conducted inspections?

(4) Will the report, due 31 May 2011, be made public?

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) On 23 February 2011, I issued a media release announcing the composition of the panel. The panel is chaired by Mr Mark Paterson AO, Secretary of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. The members of the panel are Mr Grahame Cook, Dr Jim Peacock and Mr Tim Ayres.

(2) The panel met with representatives from the ANSTO Board, employees from ANSTO and ANSTO Health, and representatives from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

(3) The panel undertook a site visit to ANSTO at Lucas Heights on 11-12 April 2011. As part of this site visit, the panel undertook a tour of Building 23A where the radiopharmaceutical production facility is located.

(4) The Terms of Reference require the panel to provide me with a final report by 31 May 2011. I intend to table the report in Parliament.

Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Jobs and Workplace Relations, upon notice, on 5 May 2011:

With reference to the independent review of the Comcare report regarding the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation and the alleged breach of section 76 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 (Investigation Number 4245):

(1) Who is leading and serving on the review panel,

(2) Why was the reporting date extended for the review,

(3) When will the report be finalised and will it be made public.

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) The review panel comprises Mr Jason Epps - Assistant Director Program Coordination – Capability and Professional Standards, Work Health & Safety Group, Comcare (Convenor); Mr Alex Kalaiziovski – Senior Regulatory Officer – Regulatory and Policy Branch – Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency; and Ms Cherie Holland – Lead Engineer – AMOG Consulting.

(2) The reporting date was extended to accommodate submissions from ANSTO. The provision of the comprehensive written and oral submissions substantially lengthened the review timeline.

(3) On 6 May 2011, the review panel provided the review report to the decision maker, the General Manager of Work Health and Safety Group (WHSG), Comcare. On 11 May 2011, the WHSG General Manager provided a copy of the review to the ANSTO CEO and advised of his current intention to accept the conclusions and recommendations of the review panel. He is allowing ANSTO until 18 May 2011 to comment on the review report and his intentions before making his decision on the review. Comcare is planning to release a statement on the outcome of the review after the decision has been provided to ANSTO.

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, upon notice, on 11 May 2011:

Can a list be provided of all Tasmanian businesses that are receiving Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme assistance for northbound shipments of products classified under commodity code 02950.

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has provided the following answer to the honourable senator’s question:

Centrelink has advised that for 2010-11 the following companies received Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme assistance for northbound shipments of products classified under commodity code 02950:

Greenham Tasmania Pty Ltd

Huon Valley Wool

Lenah Game Meats Pty Ltd

Southern Australian Commodities Pty Ltd

Swift Australia

Tasmanian Quality Meats Pty Ltd

Cuthbertson Bros Pty Ltd

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 11 May 2011:

With reference to the Minister's decision regarding the proposed Browse Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility and industrial port at James Price Point in the Kimberley region of Western Australia:

(1) What reports and advice will be considered in making this decision.

(2) In addition to the reports and advice provided by proponents and agencies, will the Minister commission independent expert advice on the impacts of the LNG facility and industrial port on matters of national environmental significance; if not, why not.

(3) Given the clear failure of the proponent to adequately address the: (a) Strategic Assessment Terms of Reference; (b) requirements set out in the Strategic Assessment Scoping Document; and (c) Minister's Strategic Assessment Endorsement Criteria, how will the Minister gather the necessary information on which to base a responsible decision.

(4) Will the Minister wait until the statutory appeals process allowed for under the Western Australia Environmental Protection Act 1986 is complete before making a decision on the LNG project, given that this process is likely to produce important new and relevant information about the impacts of the project and the failings of the strategic assessment process; if not, why not.

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The Minister's decision on whether or not to endorse the plan for the proposed precinct will only be made following the review of all information required by the terms of reference for the strategic assessment.

(2) At this stage the department has commissioned independent expert advice in relation to potential impacts from dredging.

(3) The Minister will determine whether the proponent has adequately addressed the Strategic Assessment Terms of Reference and Endorsement Criteria after he receives the final assessment report.

(4) Yes.

Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, upon notice, on 19 May 2011:

With reference to referrals made under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 regarding a uranium transfer facility at Parkeston, a suburb of Kalgoorlie situated less than 1 kilometre from the Ninga Mia Aboriginal Community:

(1) Have any discussions been held with the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum or the Environmental Protection Agency about the transportation of uranium, proposed routes, ports and transfer stations.

(2) Has there been any referral of the Parkeston facility to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has had some preliminary discussions with the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum about a possible intermodal facility at Parkeston and its potential use for uranium transport. The discussions have not addressed details of proposed routes, ports and transfer stations.

(2) No.

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Human Services, upon notice, on 24 May 2011:

Did Centrelink contract for any 'cosmetic services' between June 2010 and June 2011; if so, in each case: (a) what was the service; (b) what was the reason for the purchase; (c) who received the service; (d) what was the cost.

Mark Arbib (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Social Housing and Homelessness) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Human Services has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

Centrelink did not contract for any cosmetic surgery between 1 June 2010 and 1 June 2011.